What is JSA?
On high school campuses across the country, there are students concerned with what is happening around them – students who are interested in politics and government, foreign affairs, the law, and education. The Junior State of America (JSA) was created by and for these young people. Since its founding in 1934, more than 500,000 student members have become active, informed citizens through JSA.
What makes JSA so unique is that students organize every aspect of the organization, from the chapter level all the way to state and national administration. Our student leaders, elected by their fellow JSA members, plan and execute all of the conventions, conferences and political-awareness events held by JSA. Junior State allows for an exchange of ideas through stimulating student debates, thought talks, problem solving and a variety of simulations. By participating in these activities, each member gains a more intelligent and informed viewpoint.
JSA is a national organization organized at the local chapter level. These chapters collectively form regions, (we are part of the New England Region - NER) which coordinate communication with chapters and run regional events annually. The regions form states, (we join the Empire Constitution Region to form the Northeast State) which run three large overnight conventions a year, and the national level of general program operations.
What makes JSA so unique is that students organize every aspect of the organization, from the chapter level all the way to state and national administration. Our student leaders, elected by their fellow JSA members, plan and execute all of the conventions, conferences and political-awareness events held by JSA. Junior State allows for an exchange of ideas through stimulating student debates, thought talks, problem solving and a variety of simulations. By participating in these activities, each member gains a more intelligent and informed viewpoint.
JSA is a national organization organized at the local chapter level. These chapters collectively form regions, (we are part of the New England Region - NER) which coordinate communication with chapters and run regional events annually. The regions form states, (we join the Empire Constitution Region to form the Northeast State) which run three large overnight conventions a year, and the national level of general program operations.
So, what happens on Monday nights at JSA?
From 5:00pm to 6:00pm JSA students gather in Room 320 to discuss politics, government, law, current events, and philosophical issues. The goal of our JSA meetings is to get as many people involved in the conversation as possible, therefore, most JSA meetings take the form of a "thought talk," which is an open form of discussion about an important issue. Thought talks are less structured than debates, offer everyone a chance to participate, allow for middle-ground points-of-view, and afford the participants the ability to take the conversation in any direction they choose. That said, thought talks are not complete free-for-alls, and there are some rules:
On occasion, the CCHS JSA will use different forms of debate, including formal debates that take the pro-con speaker format used at conventions, philosophical debates that explore vital "big" questions, historical debates in which participants debate a historical decision or event, and impromptu or "fun" debates at the close of the meetings.
- Thought talks are moderated by the Chapter President. The moderator should be respected by all participants.
- Student participants should defer to others who have yet to join the conversation.
- Questions are allowed, but students should allow the moderator to determine how much back-and-forth occurs.
- Students are expected to be tolerant of others' points of view and respectful at all times.
On occasion, the CCHS JSA will use different forms of debate, including formal debates that take the pro-con speaker format used at conventions, philosophical debates that explore vital "big" questions, historical debates in which participants debate a historical decision or event, and impromptu or "fun" debates at the close of the meetings.
I'm scared. You guys sound intimidating.
Sure, sometimes students get into heated conversation at JSA, and it helps to be informed, but we are welcoming to anyone who is interested in political conversation, regardless of your knowledge or level of participation.
Plus, we bring cookies!
Plus, we bring cookies!
That sounds good. How do I get involved?
Come to a meeting! We meet every Monday from 5:00pm-6:00pm in 320.
Nervous? Talk to one of our officers or another JSA member. Bring friends. There is safety in numbers.
Nervous? Talk to one of our officers or another JSA member. Bring friends. There is safety in numbers.